Europe escalates pressure on Israel at Madrid summit over Gaza

Key European and Arab countries have arrived in Madrid, as Europe escalates pressure on Israel to stop its offensive on Gaza and end its blockade of humanitarian aid.

According to Euronews, Spain has hosted European and Arab nations on the 25th of May as they aim to implement the two-state solution, which figures such as Macron have backed in recent months.

Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, stated before the meeting that the reason for the gathering is “to stop this unjust, cruel, inhumane war by Israel in Gaza, to break the blockade of humanitarian aid and to move definitively towards a two-state solution.”

The European countries have, in recent months, begun to increase their position towards the two-state solution, moving away from no concession to Israel.

This position was highlighted when Albares described the situation in Gaza as an “open wound to humanity”, as Europe and the US have begun to shift their position, pressuring Israel to halt its offensive on Gaza.

Though the group is increasing its pressure on Israel, it has been maintained that the peace and security of Israel is paramount, but that the Palestinian people are owed the same rights.

Albares has offered the view that if Israel should not halt its military offensive in Gaza, then the EU-Israel deal should be suspended—a suggestion which many analysts will see as Europe truly disengaging with Israel and moving towards the recognition of Palestine.

It is clear, however, that all of these reactions from Europe involve the two-state solution as the answer, as they are looking to assure both the recognition and safety of the states of Palestine and Israel.

With the Israeli government increasing its attacks on Hamas, it does not appear that they are going to stop their offensive in the near future, as the relationships between Europe and Israel will be tested if a solution cannot be implemented.

Euronews/Maghrebi.org